Thursday, April 7, 2011

Early Morning Blues

I teach Math Models 1st period. I started out with 24 students. I am down to 19. Several have dropped out of school, a couple left to be "home schooled", one ran away from home and landed in Wisconsin with relatives, and one is now homebound because of severe anxiety issues.

Even though 19 are enrolled, on most days there are just 10-11 students present. Where are the other 8 or 9? Who knows. Most tell me, they just can't wake up that early so they show up for school during 2nd or 3rd period. Others don't bother with an excuse.

The state says these juniors, who can't be bothered to show up for their first period class must all take and pass algebra II next year. Yeah right. Make no mistake. Their lack of success in algebra II will have nothing to do with their mathematical ability and everything to do with their lack of perserverance.

On the bright side, I have about 5 shining stars in this class who are absolutely amazing math students and even better human beings. They are a joy to teach and the reason I look forward to this class every day.

3 comments:

Anonymous
said...

Only 2 more days till TAKS!! I have been reviewing all 10 objectives since mid-January. Hopefully all my 6 math models classes will have retained something these past 15 weeks. I know exactly where you are coming from. It has been the most difficult year of my career. The lack of empathy and knowledge....they don't know and they don't care. Good luck to your students and to mine.

Having high expectations is fundamentally sound but there needs to be a back plan. Not all students have the ability to pass algebra 2. I believe all states need to create some sort of "exception" plan where students that are underachieving can be saved or inspired to come to school. This will bring funding issues which is sad when the Navy can blow a billion dollars on a super boat then scrap it. I do believe all students can do math and can pass high school.Heath